Toronto’s roster just took a championship-sized turn: the Raptors brought Kawhi Leonard back from the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday, sending Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two first-round selections, a first-round swap and two second-round picks to Los Angeles.
Raptors reunite with Kawhi Leonard
Leonard, listed at 6-foot-6 and 225 pounds, returns to the franchise he carried through the 2018-19 title run. That season ended with Toronto’s first NBA championship, a Finals MVP for Leonard, and Second Team honors on both the All-NBA and All-Defensive ballots.
The deal gives the Raptors a proven late-game scorer and primary wing defender, while the Clippers receive two current rotation pieces and a package of future draft capital.
| Toronto receives | Los Angeles receives |
|---|---|
| Kawhi Leonard | Brandon Ingram |
| Gradey Dick | |
| First-round picks in 2031 and 2033 | |
| First-round pick swap in 2027 | |
| Second-round picks in 2030 and 2033 |
Leonard arrives after posting a personal-best 27.9 points per game last season. It was his seventh straight year above the 20-point mark. He finished seventh in MVP voting, made the All-Star team and earned another All-NBA Second Team selection.
Over 798 regular-season games, including 769 starts, Leonard has logged career averages of 20.7 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.7 steals and 31.8 minutes. His 14-season resume includes stops with San Antonio, Toronto and the Clippers.
The Los Angeles native is a seven-time All-Star, seven-time All-NBA choice and seven-time All-Defensive Team honoree. He owns two championships, two Finals MVP awards and two Defensive Player of the Year trophies, and was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021. Indiana selected him 15th in the 2011 draft before his rights were dealt to San Antonio.
From the locker room
Raptors general manager and executive vice-president Bobby Webster said Leonard’s return reconnects the team with a player whose influence reached beyond the floor during the 2019 championship season.
“We’re excited to have Kawhi back in Toronto,” Webster said. “What he meant to the organization, the city and the country cannot be overstated. He represents the competitive edge and championship approach we want. His leadership, experience and ability can help us push toward another title.”
Webster also thanked Ingram and Dick for what they supplied during their time with the club, citing their daily professionalism, character and basketball work.
Ingram departs after averaging 21.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 33.8 minutes across 77 games for Toronto last season. The Raptors had acquired him from New Orleans in February 2025.
Dick, the 13th pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, leaves with 190 Raptors appearances on his ledger. He averaged 9.2 points, 2.5 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 20.6 minutes over his Toronto career.
SEO Title: Raptors acquire Kawhi Leonard from Clippers in major trade
SEO Description: Kawhi Leonard is back in Toronto after the Raptors sent Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick and five future draft assets to the Clippers.
